Higher rates for CBD parkers

BY ROJE ADAIMY

Parking in the city will soon be more expensive, with the City of Sydney Council proposing to lift hourly rates by more than a dollar.
Meter parking across the CBD and Haymarket areas will rise from $4.40 per hour, to $5.50 next financial year, as outlined in the Council’s draft budget.
The increased rate will apply to hundreds of daytime parking areas with varying time limits.
According to a City of Sydney spokesperson, an increase was necessary given the fact that CBD parking rates have been the same since 1999.
“The proposal helps standardise rates across the local government area while reducing the difference between on-street and off-street parking provided by the City,” the spokesperson said.
The Council said parking meters are designed to help businesses by discouraging long-term parking and encourage a high turnover of car parking spaces.
But Sandra Chan, a regular visitor to the CBD and former Ultimo resident, said that more expensive on-street parking could turn people off from travelling to the city.
“Catching public transport into the city is a nightmare, that’s why I drive,” Ms Chan said. “But if I’m going to have to pay more just to park my car on the street, I think that’s ridiculous. I’m better off going somewhere local and park for free.”
By the end of June, the Council expects approximately $27 million in revenue from parking meters in just one year – that’s up from the $18.2 million figure in 2004/2005.
The Council said that greater reliability of meters and their increased use has contributed to a boost in revenue.
Local residents who have a residential or visitor parking permit will not be affected by these proposed changes.